Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Does God Lead Us Into Temptation?

"Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen." Matthew 6:13


This is confusing.

James 1:13-14 tell us,"And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes."



So, does God lead us into temptation?

No and yes.

Now I'm really confused!

No, God does not lead us into situations where we are enticed to sin.

But yes, if we choose to live for God and take a strong stand for our faith in a evil world that determined stand will lead us into trials.

Jesus said as much, "And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22

The Apostle Paul, familiar with suffering, wrote to Timothy, "Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." II Timothy 3:12

From cover to cover the Bible tells stories of godly men who suffered severe trials because of their unashamed testimony for God. Almost everyone who was anyone in the Old Testament and the New Testament suffered persecution and death rather than deny their God.

To this day many Christ-followers are facing unimaginable persecution, suffering, depravity and even execution because of their determined stand for their Christian faith.

American Christians have largely been spared persecution because of their witness or testimony of faith in Jesus. But with the rapid rise of secularism and anti-Christian bias our generation could begin facing increased pressure to compromise our faith.

But do not worry because if that happens you have a prayer!

You can pray, "Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen." Matthew 6:13